Fierce clashes erupted in the heart of the Libyan capital on Monday after Commander Hamza, head of the powerful Brigade 444, launched a deadly assault on rival militias, shattering the fragile calm in the war-torn city.
Hamza’s offensive initially scored swift territorial gains, pushing back several militia groups that have long controlled key districts of Tripoli. But the rapid advance has since ignited a wider confrontation, pitting forces loyal to Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dabaiba against those demanding his removal.
Residents described scenes of chaos, with heavy gunfire and artillery echoing through multiple neighborhoods. “It felt like the war had returned overnight,” said one Tripoli resident who fled with his family after shelling struck near their home. Hospitals have reported dozens of casualties, though the exact death toll remains unclear amid ongoing fighting.
The violence underscores the volatile nature of Libya’s fractured political landscape, where alliances between militias can shift overnight. Brigade 444, widely regarded as one of the country’s most disciplined armed groups, has previously backed the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity. However, analysts say Hamza’s latest move suggests an attempt to assert greater military dominance – and potentially influence the political balance of power.
International actors, including the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), have called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that continued clashes could derail fragile talks aimed at unifying Libya’s political institutions ahead of long-delayed elections.
As Tripoli braces for more violence, the question remains whether Hamza’s bold and bloody gamble will strengthen his hand or plunge the capital deeper into instability.
